The Eichmann Show (2015)

This year will see the 60th anniversary of the Adolf Eichmann trial in Jerusalem during which the Nazi official was sentenced to death for his responsibilities in horrific crimes against the Jews and other peoples and minorities. Not only did the trial constitute a landmark case in the post-War international legal order, it was also the first of such trials to be televised all around the world. This latter dimension is the focus of director Paul Andrew Williams’ fictionalised account: The Eichmann Show (2015).

The film centres on two of the key figures in the documentation of the trial, producer Milton Fruchtman (played by Martin Freeman) and the controversial director Leo Hurwitz (played by Anthony LaPaglia). While the two men worked closely together, they had to constantly negotiate the tension between their respective ultimate goals, i.e. selling a story to the world that would engage millions of viewers, and understanding Eichmann and the banality of evil. The film provides ample material for rich discussions about the dynamic between law and media, and we would therefore like to invite all PhD’s and faculty to join us on Wednesday 27 January at 6 pm.

The idea is that the film is watched individually beforehand. More practical information on how to do so will be provided by email after registering here.

We hope to see you then!

The Law and Cinema Team (Louis Hill, Vittoria Becci and Edward van Daalen).

Invite-only event.